As the golden years of her life unfolded, Emily chose to wed a solitary retiree. Half an hour before the vows, a chime echoed through her home. She swung the door open, struck silent by what she saw…

Emily walked home, lost in thought. Live with a near-stranger, adapt to his habits, take on new problems. Did she need this at sixty-nine?

That evening, Sarah called. “Hey, Mom! You sound off. You sick?” “Sarah, just listen, okay? Don’t interrupt, or I’ll lose my nerve.” She paused. Sarah waited. “You there?” “I’m here, but you’re not saying anything.”

“I’m gathering courage. Someone proposed to me.” “What? A job?” “No, marriage.” Silence on the line. Sarah processed.

“Mom, you seeing someone?” “No, we just met on the path. He had a heart episode, and I gave him a pill.

We started walking together daily, just talking. He’s seventy-five, retired factory supervisor. Calm, smart. I don’t know what to say to him. What do you think?”

Sarah pondered. “Do you like him?” “He’s interesting, polite, neat. But as a life partner? I haven’t thought that way.”

“Mom, it’s your call, but I say go for it. I worry about you alone. What if you have an episode? You might not reach the phone. Two’s safer, and you won’t be so lonely. Decide, and I’ll call again soon.”

As Emily hung up, the doorbell rang.

Her neighbor, Lisa, stood there. “Emily, hi! Could you give me a shot? My back’s killing me.” “Sure, get the syringe ready.” ..